Jeter back in Bronx for first time since retiring

NEW YORK -- Leading up to his retirement last season, Derek Jeter consistently said what he was looking forward to was enjoying a summer without a schedule, offered the flexibility to see what life would be like away from the ballpark after 20 years in the Majors.

Jeter snapped that sabbatical Sunday to be present for Bernie Williams Night at Yankee Stadium, applauding along with his former teammates as Williams' No. 51 was retired and the switch-hitting center fielder was officially enshrined into Monument Park.

It marked Jeter's first public appearance at Yankee Stadium since his walk-off single to defeat the Orioles last Sept. 25. The Yankees did not publicize the fact that Jeter would be in attendance, and Jeter did not speak to reporters.

Williams said that Jeter and the other "Core Four" members -- Andy Pettitte, Jorge Posada and Mariano Rivera -- ribbed him about the likeness on his Monument Park plaque, and Williams said it was not strange to see Jeter in the Bronx for the first time as a retired player.

"I kind of expected him to be exactly where he was," Williams said. "I think he's very at peace with where he is right now in his life. I am so happy for him. I think a very important part of players when they retire and they no longer play is that you've got to transition from going a thousand miles an hour to a more normal kind of pace. He seems to be handling it pretty good, so I'm very happy for him."